Since the summer solstice started last Monday with the longest day of the year and we are rolling into July today {!!}, I can’t think of a better time to share my summer ‘goal’ list for 2016. I think summer is the best time of year to explore Chicago, for new travelers and locals alike.
1 ~ Attend Free Concerts in Millennium Park
On Monday and Thursday evenings, free concerts are available at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park for the Summer Music Series. I celebrated the summer solstice last week with a concert on a hot evening. Picnics outdoors are the best in the summer, especially with a view.
2 ~ Bike Ride & Picnic at Promontory Point
Promontory Point is a man-made peninsula in Burnham Park, south of downtown Chicago and near the neighborhood Hyde Park. It’s a beautiful bike ride through downtown and along Lake Michigan, and a perfect spot for a snack or picnic.
3 ~ Visit local Farmers’ Markets
I can’t wait for tomato season. My favorite farmers’ markets in the city include:
Wednesday evening: Andersonville
Thursday lunch: Daley Plaza {Chicago Loop}
Thursday evening: Lincoln Square
Saturday morning: Horner Park or Green City Market {Lincoln Park}
Sunday morning: Logan Square
4 ~ Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is 35 acres in size, with free admission. Bonus: the entrance is very close to the Green City Market farmers’ market.
5 ~ Relax on the Beach
Chicago has 26 miles of public beaches along Lake Michigan. My favorite is Foster Beach, at 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive.
6 ~ Go to a Baseball Game
We are White Sox fans in this house, but I would love to take in a Cubs game this year too to check out the renovated stadium. I think my favorite part of White Sox baseball, besides picking a gorgeous day to sit outdoors, is the kosher beef hot dogs with grilled onions 😉
7 ~ Bike to Northerly Island
At the end of last summer, K and I visited Northerly Island Park by bicycle. Northerly Island Park is located on a peninsula on Lake Michigan, covering over 90 acres. The Northerly Island Nature preserve officially opened in early September 2015, with more than 40 acres dedicated to native plantings and migratory birds. It’s an absolutely beautiful place!
What’s at the top of your summer list?
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I’m Celia. I live in the Chicago area. I'm a mama of two, runner, business owner and former Iowan. My blog includes recipes, fitness and travel posts, and stories about Chicago.
So many fun things to do in Chicago during the summer! I'm hoping to get in a concert at Ravinia this summer and a bike ride up to the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Thank you for sharing this! I just moved to the Northern Suburbs and have been planning my summer in the city!!!
Welcome!! I hope you love it here 🙂
Ooh, that's a great idea. I have never been to the Botanic Gardens!